Best places: Beaches in California

White sandy beach backed by a trail & cypress trees popular for dog walking, volleyball & surfing.

At low tide, this scenic, rocky beach features pools of water with sea life such as crabs & fish.

Popular with divers, this quaint beach houses permanent lifeguard stations, picnic tables & showers.

City beach featuring the iconic Morro Rock, plus sandy dunes & seasonal lifeguards.

A steep hike from a parking lot leads to this sandy beach offering surfing & swimming.

Tiny, much-photographed beach known for a rock jutting out of the water & a sea cave that frames it.

Swimming, sunbathing, surfing & other outdoor recreation draws crowds to this scenic, urban beach.

Picturesque strip of sand known for its paved pedestrian path, volleyball nets & dolphin sightings.

😐 Lovely beach . lots of parking. One thing I didn't like was the dog owners .. Not saying all but saw a few letting the dogs go # 2 in the water . Not cool !! It's a family beach where I saw a lot of children in the water. Kinda disappointed. Makes me not want to go back. Very beautiful No doubt abou...

State beach noted for its vast, rugged coastline, recreational activities & nature preserve.

Small, remote shorefront area with rugged terrain, bird-watching & views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sandy beach & kitesurfing hotspot with a Golden Gate bridge backdrop, picnic tables & a promenade.

Pebbly beach popular for surfing & sunbathing, with restrooms, trails, a lagoon & picnic tables.

This 3.5-mile stretch of beach & pier draws crowds & hosts pro surfing & volleyball competitions.

👍👍 Treasure Island is further down from the main beach and well worth it over the others. It was less crowded with beautiful sand and water. And there is a hotel next to it with some food. It also has a cove and wadding pools where you can see some marine critters so it is a nice mixture of relaxation...

Curving white sandy beach backed by cypress trees known for surfing, dog walking & sunsets.

Protected sandy cove home to many adult harbor seals & their pups, open for swimming in summer.

Scenic natural area & popular swimming/surfing area featuring a sandy beach framed by cliffs.

1 of the country's 1st, this famed beach park allows dogs to run free off-leash & swim in the water.

This 1 mile long sand beach with permanent lifeguard stations offers gentle waves & scuba classes.